Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon

Fjaðrárgljúfur river gorge

The Fjaðrárgljúfur river canyon is a river gorge in the South East Iceland close to Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

The river is though to have carved the gorge over many thousands of years. Often the river would have been significantly enlarged by glacier melt water after a volcanic eruption. It looks as if a big zipper has ripped apart the gorge from above, because there is a very tight “S” curve. The river winds through the canyon and in good conditions it is possible to wade in the river. This should not be attempted after heavy rainfall, or alone. The best angle for light is a secret that only our photo guides know. But it becomes obvious when you visit the Fjaðrárgljúfur river canyon.

Access to the river gorge

The Road to the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon is a rough track to a carpark. This is ok for regular cars, but uncomfortable. The road can be closed and also slippery after heavy snow. Then access is only possible over a Winter track which needs a 4x4. There are now marked walking routes up the East bank of the canyon. Visitors are encourage not to venture beyond the marked zones for flora protection. There are public toilets at the site, but we can’t guarantee they will be open for Winter tourism. There is a nice waterfall at the top of the hiking trail.

A tourist gets down to the river bank at Fjaðrárgljúfur river canyon in Iceland. The high walls present challenges for exposure control because regular grad filters just darken the higher rocks.

Wading through the river after a December snow storm at Fjaðrárgljúfur river canyon is rewarding. Using a dark filter here can give you some impressive water movement. The Magic Cloth is challenging, but if you keep it simple, you can have nice results.

Bus Passports

Summary issued 15th Feb 2017 Sub zero temperatures and occasional snow showers over the coming weekend.Â Overwise a calmer weather forecast with much less wind.Â Road to tourist sites are still suffering under the snow, so please check before travelling.

Solar storm warning issued 14th Feb 2017 According to NASA, a solar storm is on it's way to Earth after a mass ejection on the Sun's surface on Sunday Night. This could produce aurora displays if the sky is clear. The storm is expected to hit the Earth in the small hours of Thursday morning. […]

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